Ardnamurchan Madeira Cask Release 2025 Review: 'Old-fashioned cinnamon candy'

Warm weather is on the way, and that usually means the smoky whiskies spend a little more time on the shelf while the fruitier drams come out to play. But what if you want a peated whisky that’s sweet and spicy—without the smoke? Then keep reading, because Ardnamurchan has bottled something special.

On Scotland’s west coast, the Ardnamurchan Distillery releases a whisky matured in sherry casks every year. And the 2025 release is no exception.

This year the distillery chose to combine unpeated and peated spirit in a 60/40 ratio. The whole lot went into bourbon casks in 2018 to mature, then spent a further two years finishing in Madeira casks.

Just before the whisky reached seven years of age, the casks were married and the whisky was bottled by the Highland distillery. By then it had taken on a deep amber hue with a rich red glow.

The Ardnamurchan bottle is made from clear glass and stands out with a few distinctive engravings. The distillery’s name is etched into the glass, along with the place where you’ll find the whisky maker: Argyll, on the west side of the Highlands.

There’s another intriguing detail on the base of the bottle: the words “Headland of the Great Seas.” It’s a nod to Ardnamurchan Point, the peninsula that gave the distillery its name.

Fun fact about Ardnamurchan: the whisky maker’s name comes from the Gaelic Àird nam Murchan, meaning “headland of the great sea.” The distillery is quite literally named after its place in Scotland.

Look closely at the label and you’ll also find the distillery’s coordinates. These small touches don’t just make the bottle unique—they give you plenty to admire.

Pour it into your glass and you can tell right away it’s seen Madeira casks. You’re greeted by sweet aromas of ripe cherries and soft plum notes, followed by a gentle spice from wood and a nutty undertone.

The balance between sweetness and spice is already clear on the nose. With time and a gentle swirl, the faintest wisp of peat emerges—not enough to scare off peat-averse drinkers, but enough to be noticed.

On the palate, Ardnamurchan AD/ Madeira Cask 2025 surprises. A silky, oily texture carries a wide range of flavors that touch every part of your palate: sweet red berries, a hint of spice like nutmeg, and a dab of pepper.

Hold it for a moment and old-fashioned Dutch sweets appear—those classic cinnamon pillows—pairing unexpectedly well with fairground peanut clusters.

As the finish approaches, the whisky leaves your mouth slightly dry. In a medium-length finish, it bows out with notes of damp wood.

There’s enough character and complexity here to ponder over your next sip. Add a drop of water and an extra layer of fruit and spice unfolds.

With the Madeira Cask 2025 release, Ardnamurchan has crafted a whisky with superb balance. It plays your taste buds like a pinball machine, bouncing from sweet to spicy and back again. That interplay keeps every sip engaging, whether you’re a seasoned whisky drinker or just getting started.

+ Superb balance between sweet and spicy

+ Complex enough to linger over, yet still approachable

+ Great value (considering the unofficial age of 6 years)

- The ABV may call for a drop of water for some